Archive for the 'Eric Sardinas' Tag Under 'Soundcheck' Category

Blues fans aren’t the only concertgoers excited by the arrival of Doheny Blues Festival, Orange County’s beachfront bash returning to Dana Point this weekend.

This year’s lineup features one of the most diverse musical casts in the history of the annual festival, with a mix of veteran artists (Gregg Allman and Buddy Guy, above, headline on Saturday, while the Doobie Brothers and Gov’t Mule close things out on Sunday) and celebrated newcomers (the Americans, John Nemeth, Vintage Trouble and Ruthie Foster for starters).

“The selection of artists took a bit longer this year because we are always seeking the proper mix of blues artists, music legends and up-and-coming acts,” said Rich Sherman, president of Lake Forest-based Omega Events, which puts on the event.

“And given our 17-year history, we know that the fans want to see strong headliners, and so we were very patient in trying to pair Gregg Allman and Buddy Guy on Saturday, along with the Doobie Brothers and Gov’t Mule for Sunday. These are four of the busiest acts in music, and the old adage of ‘patience pays off’ certainly rang true this year.”

L.A. claimed them just as fast as the four Kids wanted to leave, but what has become one of Southern California's leading indie-rock outfits –- see why Jan. 22 at the Wiltern, three days after the arrival of a new EP, Behave Yourself –- began in downtown Fullerton and was only beginning to bust out of O.C. with its soul-shaking sound by the time this debut caught fire. Loyalty to Loyalty, two years later, wasn't as good, even if it sold much better, but they've got sustained buzz at this point. Expect big things from them this year.